WHAT’S IN A LABEL: A new ongoing interview series with record label owners about what got them started, what keeps them going and what would make them stop putting out incredible records.

EXOTIC FEVER RECORDS:

exotic fever

I spoke to Katy O. about her label Exotic Fever. Exotic Fever is from the DC area and puts out some really great independent bands, ranging from melodic girl fronted post punk to pretty aggressive DC style rock. Katy was great and got back to me sooo quickly, she’s my new best friend. Please check out her releases down at the bottom, free Mp3s and her website. And buy some of her fantastic music.

1. What made you want to start a label? How did it get started?

I had a bunch of friends in bands, as I was, that I saw have really stupid and bad experiences with labels. They did not have people who believed in them giving their attention and energy to the releases in ways that I thought made sense. My friend Bonnie who was my bandmate at the time in a former band Bald Rapunzel ended up starting Exotic Fever, for a release that did not have a home. She roped me in, which was easy to do because I had been interested. Now, I run the label solely.

2. Did you have a mentor or someone in the industry that was able to guide you? if so, who was it and what advice did they give?

Kim Colletta, Brian Lowit, Jenny Toomey and Ian MacKaye have all been tremendous role models and mentors for me. I got a lot of advice on what manufacturing to do with, how to manage distribution, and so forth.

3, What release or milestone are you proudest of?

We just hit our 30th release. I can’t believe it and I am thrilled.

4. Were there any releases you did, that you couldn’t believe didn’t sell more or didn’t do better than you expected? Why do you think?

The Sinister Quarter broke up before the band fully got to realize its potential. They only played one show with the CD I think, or a handful of them. It is a fantastic release and I don’t regret it at all, but I do wish more people had gotten to hear it. We still have it, hint hint! www.exoticfever.com

5. How do you feel about music blogs, aggregators and how the internet is effecting the industry?

I like the idea that people can hear music from around the world easily. However, I think there is something to be said for listening to CDs in the order the songs were recorded, or viewing a record with the artwork the artist intended for it. I also think that regional flavor is getting lost in this new climate. In the past, you could look to scenes and regions to see the distinctive sounds that were often being cultivated. Culture is being eroded in capitalist society. We don’t know yet the new cultures that will emerge, and what will guide them. I feel confident in what I am attracted to and what I can build with my label. I trust my own judgment which I think is key to running a kickass label. I believe in every release we have ever put out. How many people can say that? The day I can’t say it is the day I need to quit.

6. Is there any real clear solution to declining music sales?

Supporting cultural work that is being done locally. Work on shows. Go to shows. Make interesting packaging. Do everything with passion. Forge your own artistic path and find ways to incorporate the technology. I just put our first set of releases on itunes, and I am putting my whole catalogue up there. It was strange but I know it was a step I needed to take. I am finding how to stay firm to the path I am interested in and still remain relevant and sustainable.

7. Was there any bands that you were this close to signing and didn’t happen that you regret?

Fuck regret. Nope.

8. Do you have any guidelines to your label? Any rules you just won’t break?/

It could be the greatest band on earth but if I didn’t think the people in it were amazing, strong, committed, interesting individuals as well, I couldn’t do it with the same passion or conviction. This label is a family to me. It is like curating an art exhibition. It is a collection of people and work that I think are beautiful and that keep me afloat. That inspire and move me to act. These people and this music are my fuel. I also insist on working with artists that are able to respect women/queer people/people of color/anyone relegated to the margins by mainstream, corporate America. Of course this is a tricky one. None of us are perfect. But I want to at least, at the very minimum, be around people that don’t freak out to have conversations about privilege, about music as a catalyst for social change, about building community, freedom of expression, and healthy youth development.

9. What were your first and last releases? Any upcoming ones that you’re excited about?

First release – Bonnie put out the Halo Project ep. On August 28th I am putting out Pash’s “The Best Gun” and New Idea Society’s “The World is Bright and Lonely.” We have done more to prepare for these two releases than ever before, and I think it shows. Both records are incredible. I can’t wait.

10. Any horror stories we can learn from?

Uh. Maybe ask bands if they are planning on staying together for a period of time after you release the cd. But even then, nothing is certian.

11. Where does the name come from?

The idea is that we support music that is rare, precious, and infectious. :)

12, Would you do this for the rest of your life if you could?

No, I have a job I am passionate about at an organization Men Can Stop Rape. I might one day spend more time on the label, but only if that is what growth demands. I think music flourishes with organic growth.

13. How does living in DC affect the label and the music you put out?

I have the highest caliber mentors any person could imagine. My relationship to my city is the single greatest love affair of my life. I have been supported, nurtured and encouraged to flourish here, with music, activism, and leadership. It is my hope that through my own work I can offer that back to people I work with and encounter.

14. The best thing about owning a record label? Worst?

Best – pride of being a momma 30 times over, for each release. Worst – debt, debt, debt. Working on business-esque levels with close friends can also be difficult at times.

15. Name some of the bands that you have worked with:

mass movement of the moth, 1905, pash, the sinister quarter, kathy cashel, gina young, new idea society, wrong day to quit, eulcid, hope and anchor, des ark, bellafea, tornavalanche, tight phantomz, del cielo, rachel jacobs, liza kate, the halo project, half light, ricky fitts, andrea lisi and homage to catalonia

16. Any last words?

Thank you for doing this! Please feel free to get in touch if you are interested in starting a label. Or, check out Simple Machines Guide to Putting Out a Record at Insound. It was one of the greatest resources I ever found starting out!

FREE MP3s:

1905 – Fall from Voice .

Mass Movement of the Moth – Crimps In Ties from Outerspace .

Pash – Four Straight Days from Kingwood .

New Idea Society – Drawbridge Kid from The World is Bright and Lonely .

EXOTIC FEVER’S SITE. ORDER THESE AND MORE RECORDS THERE.

exotic fever records | po box 297 | college park, md 20741-0297